In A Sunburned Country

Bill Bryson

I like to equate "In A Sunburned Country" to Australia itself. It seems to go on forever, and at...more

I like to equate "In A Sunburned Country" to Australia itself. It seems to go on forever, and at some points you just want to stop, but when it is finally over you are pining for more. I'm reluctant to give this five stars, only because I don't want to seem like "that guy" who gives everything five stars. But what the hell, it deserves it. What made this book so excellent is Bryson's perfect blend of wit, wonder and historical facts. He never overwhelms the reader with too much dry information, his humour isn't derived from negative Australian stereotypes and he always brings to life what a wonderful, strange country it really is. The cast of characters, so to speak, are simply superb and I'm glad that Bryson decided to include them in this book. Some people might criticize the fact that Bryson didn't spend a lot of time in each location, or that he missed some really good locations, but I think this is entirely fine. One of the main themes of this book is that Australia is simply huge and the spaces between civilized areas are massive. If he decided to spend more time in each location, why, he would still be there today. Bryson's sense of humour in this book is just phenomenal. His conversations with his friends, his mental dialogues and the commentary about Australia's strange history will make you chuckle delightfully, if not laugh out loud. This book isn't a comprehensive history of Australia, nor would I want it to be. What Bryson does instead of boring us to death with a dry revival is pick out some of the most interesting little tidbits of Australian history and present them to us in a way that really gives us a greater understanding of the country. He often uses the historical examples to prove a point, such as the poor sod Harold Holt and the dangers Down under, and the Japanese atomic bomb that nobody noticed because Australia is so big and empty. As a recent resident of Australia, I can personally vouch for the claims that he makes about the country. It is outstandingly beautiful, the people are unfailingly laid back and accommodating, and you will die if you aren't careful. This book was a treat to read.   hide

If this is the same book that is also published as Down Under then I have read it and found it both...more

If this is the same book that is also published as Down Under then I have read it and found it both hilarious and fascinating. After living in Australia for 4 years I would love to read it again. Bryson has a unique way of seeing the world. He tells a story about asking some skate-boarding boys (in Canberra, I think) where was good to eat. One responded that the local Pizza Hut (or something) had an all-you-can-eat buffet on Tuesdays. Bryson responded that today was Thursday to which the boy replied "yes, they don't do it on Thursdays". Now, I have probably got the details wrong as it is about 5 years since I read the book but this story reminded me of the Aussie man I have since married and absolutely cracked me up.   hide

This was my first foray into the genre of travel literature--and what a great way to start! Reading...more

This was my first foray into the genre of travel literature--and what a great way to start! Reading these chapters was like getting nice long letters from a gifted friend writing while traveling through Australia. Bill Bryson is witty and honest and takes time to talk to people in each venue he visits. He makes sure to visit places big and small, and to elaborate on the little miseries that make travel real--such as beautiful scenery ruined by an attack of face eating flies. I know I'll never be able to go to Australia myself, but I now feel as if I know a great bit more about this land than I would have from simply watching a TV show. I can't wait to read more by this great author!   hide

I should probably have read this before I went to the land "down under", but it was kind of neat...more

I should probably have read this before I went to the land "down under", but it was kind of neat (yes, I said "neat") to read it after the fact and recognise the different things Bryson writes about. To be able to laugh knowingly when he talks about the less than spectacular service industry in the Northern Territory... to nod solemnly in recognition of the threat of insanely poisonous bugs, spiders, and reptiles seemingly at every turn. (They're not really that bad, but in your imagination, Australia can easily become one big, hot, red death trap.) I have yet to visit the western side of the country, and Bryson has definitely sold me on the idea of doing so in style via the Ocean Pacific railway. A must-read for anyone who's ever been there or is thinking of going, as well as for anyone who just likes a good hearty laugh.   hide

How did he do it??? How did Bill Bryson make it so that he could write my favorite --- AND...more

How did he do it??? How did Bill Bryson make it so that he could write my favorite --- AND SECOND FAVORITE -- book?!?! I am disturbed. The accomplishment of "In A Sunburned Country" -- which I read during a very sad and difficult time of my life -- is complete and utter hilarity, which made me completely forget the very sad and ifficult time I was going through. Harold Holt. Drinking urine. My God, this is a great country. My God, this is a great book. My God, this is a great writer.    hide